On Saturday (April 21st), the 36th Annual San Francisco Wine Auction at The Fairmont Hotel in the Nob Hill district of San Francisco took place.

San Francisco Wine Auction

The phenomenal, patriotic-themed black-tie event (attended by hundreds of wine collectors, socialites, and Bay Area executives) included fine wine tasting (by 40 world class wineries), rare auction lots, live entertainment, filet mignon dinner, and dancing. Some of the wineries pouring at the event included Flowers, Bardessono, and Cakebread Cellars. VIP guests were treated to an exclusive pre-party in the Penthouse Suite, overlooking the majestic San Francisco Bay and city skyline, and posh after-party.

The Live Auction featured 35 incredible, one-of-a-kind experiences, including:

1. An family trip for four to visit NAPA, partake in the Astronaut Training Experience, have lunch with a real astronaut, and visit the Kennedy Space Center Visitor  Complex.
2. An exclusive trip to Napa Valley, including a helicopter tour, lodging at a wine country mansion, and tastings at Harlan Estate, Peter Michael Winery, and Rudd Winery.
3. A culinary trip to Paris, including a five-night stay at Le Royal Moncea (near the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Elysees), and cooking workshops and demonstrations and the world famous Le Cordon Bleu.

This first-class event was presented by The Guardsmen, a volunteer-run, charitable organization that hosts spectacular events throughout the year (from the annual Tree Lot Party to the Celebrity Sports Auction and Dinner) to raise funds for at-risk Bay Area youth. Since 1947, the proceeds raised by the organization have helped send 2500  underprivileged children to outdoor education programs each year, in addition to providing scholarships to approximately 250 students annually.Below are photos taken by Gustavo Fernandez (c/o The Guardsmen). To see all the event photos, click here.

{Guests enjoying the Wine Tasting}

{Enthusiastic auction bidders}

{Dinner & Live Auction in the Ballroom}

{Live Entertainment}